Giulio Romano's Madonna della gatta: Symbolism and Mystery at Museo di Capodimonte
Painted in 1523, Giulio Romano's Madonna della gatta resides in the Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte in Naples. This artwork is regarded as the artist's most intricate piece, illustrating the Holy Family within a home environment. It was likely commissioned by the Gonzaga family and was mentioned by Giorgio Vasari in the residence of Cesare Gonzaga around 1566. Originally thought to be a work of Raphael, the painting showcases an opulent interior and includes a cat at Saint Anne's feet, symbolizing her role as a protector. The elderly figures depicted are Anne and Joachim, not Elizabeth and Zechariah. This article was authored by Alejandra Schettino for MIfacciodiCultura and appeared on Artspecialday.
Fatti principali
- Giulio Romano painted Madonna della gatta in 1523.
- The painting is in the Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte in Naples.
- It was likely commissioned by the Gonzaga family.
- Giorgio Vasari documented the work in Cesare Gonzaga's house in Mantua around 1566.
- The painting was initially attributed to Raphael due to similarities with Madonna della Perla (1518).
- The work features a cat at the feet of Saint Anne, symbolizing her protective role.
- Christian symbolism includes cherries as prefiguration of sacrifice and a cradle representing death and rebirth.
- The sewing basket contains red and white thread, a prayer book, white cloths, and needles.
Entità
Artisti
- Giulio Romano
- Raphael
- Giorgio Vasari
- Alejandra Schettino
Istituzioni
- Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte
- Gonzaga family
- MIfacciodiCultura
- Artspecialday
Luoghi
- Naples
- Italy
- Rome
- Mantua